This year’s Breakthrough Prize ceremony, aka the Oscars of Science, remained a high-profile affair. Along with notable scientists and tech entrepreneurs, many Hollywood A-listers graced the 12th edition of the prestigious event held this week in the Bay Area. Some of the biggest names on the never-ending list include Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck, Jessica Chastain, and Robert Downey Jr. Dive in to know the full scoop!
Hollywood bigwigs arrive at the esteemed Oscars of Science ceremony
On April 18, a plethora of celebrities recently gathered at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, to recognize the revolutionary work of scientists worldwide, according to TMZ. Apart from the aforementioned names, the star-studded night also featured Zoe Saldana, Paris Hilton, Margot Robbie, Lionel Richie, Michelle Yeoh, Rob Lowe, John Legend, and Chrissy Teigen.
But hey, don’t think the list is over just yet. Celebrities such as Gal Gadot, Ron Howard, Olivia Wilde, Jewel, Lily Collins, Gigi Hadid, Edward Norton, Michelle Williams, Darren Aronofsky, Salma Hayek, Naomi Watts, Billy Crudup, and Christina Aguilera also arrived to show their support for science folks.
Affleck sported a black tuxedo, including a black suit jacket with satin lapels, a white shirt, and a black bow tie. Meanwhile, Chastain and Hadid opted for flashy outfits. The Interstellar star wore a golden tube dress with metallic embellishments, while the supermodel wore a silver halter-neck satin gown. The standout element of Hadid’s outfit was the chunky jeweled brooch at the center of the neckline.
The annual Breakthrough Prize ceremony, founded by Yuri Milner and other tech entrepreneurs in 2012, acknowledges scientific achievements in three major categories. These include: Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics. Giving the ceremony an alternate name, such as the Oscar of Science, is the organization’s attempt to give scientists the respect and popularity usually reserved for actors and athletes.
So far, the organization has awarded over $326 million to its winners. It handed out six prizes, each worth $3 million, this year. “These are some of the most heroic and inspiring people we get in the world,” actor and filmmaker Edward Norton told AFP. Norton believes it is important to recognize the contributions of these groundbreaking researchers in our lives.
Taking a subtle dig at the current anti-scientific environment, the actor thinks that showing support becomes more crucial than ever. Have you followed the 2026 Breakthrough Prize ceremony? Share with us your favorite moment from the event.
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